A CHIP THAT REALLY CRUNCHES

Four major players in the world of information and computing are launching a new effort to develop an ultrathin, power-packed chip able to process data efficiently. Any such progress in speed is a boon for those trying to get video, pictures and the other ingredients of multimedia up and running on the info highway. The consortium of IBM, AT&T, Motorola and Loral intends to produce a chip about half the width of those used currently.